Cherry Blossoms of South Korea

10/09/2018

Cherry blossoms have the meaning of purity and beauty – it also signifies a magical time as South Korea shrugs off the winter chill and re-emerges bearing lovely colours and scents. In flower for only one week a year, it is a short window but one worth making the effort to be a part of. Whether you are viewing these sprays of beauty in the day or the evening you are sure to be left in awe at mother nature and her pink and white creations.

The origins of cherry blossoms in South Korea is contentious. The Japanese planted Yoshino cherry trees at Seoul’s Changgyeonggung Palace and the viewing of cherry blossoms was introduced to Korea during Japanese rule. The festivals continued even after the Japanese surrendered at the end of WWII but have been controversial, and many cherry trees were cut down to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Japanese surrender because they were seen as symbols of the occupation.

When travellers think of visiting streets bursting with this beautiful display of pink they instantly think of Japan for Cherry Blossom season. South Korea is often missed as travellers get wrapped up in Japan’s Sakura season or ‘Golden Week’. So that is why we would like to introduce you to Walking Through Cherry Blossoms Crooked Compass style.

Where are the best places to view cherry blossom in South Korea?

Walking Through Cherry Blossoms Tour South Korea, Crooked Compass

Anmingogae Hill

Anmingogae Hill is a 9 kilometre-long hill that reaches from Taebaek-dong in Jinhae to Anmin-dong in Changwon. Six of the nine kilometres are lined with cherry blossoms, making up the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tunnel. The hill is also known for its view of Jinhaeman Bay, Ungsan Mountain, Sirubong Peak and Cheonjabong Peak.

Gyeonghwa Station

Gyeonghwa Station, a famous spot for cherry blossom, is a small railway station in Gyeonghwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. The station is neighbored by Seongjusa Station to the north and Jinhae Station to the south. Railway services in and out of Gyeonghwa Station have been discontinued as of 2006. You can walk through the tracks surrounded by rows of cherry blossom trees, making a tunnel effect filled with flowers. Along with Anmingogae Road and Yeojwacheon Bridge, Gyeonghwa Station is one of the top three spots in Jinhae for taking photos of the cherry blossoms. If you think the area looks familiar then you may have seen it before as it is often featured in Korean movies and dramas.

Gyeonghwa station
Gyeonghwa station

Dream Road

There are two sections of the Dream Road totalling around 14km each section and taking approx 6 hours per section if you were to walk on foot. Listen to the birds singing in the surrounding forest as you walk the Dream Road. The sweet scent of the cherry blossoms floats on the air and their petals will rain on you like soft snow flakes. Clear your mind and absorb the spectacular beauty that mother nature has created around you.

It’s not too late to start planning your cherry blossom pilgrimage in South Korea for 2019! Our Walking Through Cherry Blossoms small group tour will take you there. Our six day tour not only takes you to the best cherry blossom spots but introduces you to the zen of Buddhism at a traditional temple stay. Enjoy alms under the starry sky and meditation in the mountains and traditional tea ceremony’s with the monks and nuns. The perfect introduction to both the Korean and Buddhist culture and the beautiful natural world often hidden from many travellers minds.

South Korea country image
South Korea 

More information about this experience can be found on our website. If you would like to make this experience yours then contact us so we can help you secure your spot on this amazing adventure of a lifetime – places are limited. We look forward to welcoming you on our Walking Through Cherry Blossoms tour.